“It was as if a tornado had whipped through the town or a flood had swallowed up houses. Three months after the raid, that’s how many in Postville describe the events of May 12. Lives disrupted. People pushed out of jobs and homes. Children separated from parents. Businesses verging towards collapse. … And as in any small town swept by disaster, the community quickly banded together to help the victims. In the days following the raid, donations of food, clothing and money poured into St. Bridget’s, which became a sanctuary to nearly 400 immigrants, and to the local food pantry, flocked by families in need.Red ribbons, symbolizing support for the detained workers, still flutter from lamp posts and tree trunks.” (08/17/08)